Former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen defended 'BOSS' Cristiano Ronaldo amid rising tension between the footballer and Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag.  

Pietersen branded the Dutch manager a 'clown' for his treatment of the Portuguese legend, who has seen far less on-pitch action this season than many might have predicted.   

With the T20 World Cup getting underway, Manchester United used a picture of ex-cricketer Pieterson at Old Trafford to help drum up some interest in the event. Pietersen responded to the use of his image, blasting the club and manager Erik ten Hag for his treatment of Ronaldo. 

Images of several cricketers, including Pietersen, were posted on the club's official account, alongside the caption: "It's T20 World Cup szn. We've welcomed cricketing legends, played at iconic venues and met up with plenty of heroes over the years."

Pietersen, who was clearly unhappy with the way Ronaldo has been treated at the club recently, has since instructed United to take down the post.

"Please take my picture down? I don't want an association with a club that's managed by a clown who is completely disrespecting the greatest footballer of our time!," Pietersen commented.

"@cristiano is the BOSS! That clown who no one will ever remember needs a wake up!"

The post has since been deleted from United's Instagram account.

Ronaldo was an unused substitute in Wednesday's 2-0 home win and walked down the tunnel with a few minutes of the match remaining after being left on the bench again by Ten Hag. 

The Portuguese striker was left out of the squad that will face Chelsea on Saturday.